Wine CountryThe Santa Maria Valley Wine Region & AVASanta Maria Valley Wineries & WinemakersA Guide to Wine Tasting in Santa Maria ValleySanta Maria Wine VarietalsSanta Maria Wine TrolleyFoxen Canyon Wine Trail$500 3-Day Getaway Book A Room Everything you need to know about wine tasting in the Santa Maria Valley. It’s no secret that California’s Central Coast is a world-renowned wine-growing region. The unique geography of the Santa Maria Valley pairs perfectly with the temperate Central Coast weather. This dynamic duo produces a Mediterranean climate that allows wine grapes to spend extra time on the vine developing complex and unique flavor profiles. The result is universally loved and easy-to-pair Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Read on for our favorite ways to taste your way through more than 30 winery tasting rooms in Santa Maria Valley wine country. Hop on the Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley The award-winning Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley runs a route to some of the region’s most popular wineries every weekend from May to October. The trolley route begins in Old Town Orcutt, near the CORE Winery Tasting Room, Naughty Oak Brewing Company, Blast 825 Brewery and Vino et Amicis, as well as many dining establishments. The trolley makes stops at Presqu’ile Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Winery and Costa de Oro Winery. The route takes about an hour, and your ticket allows you to step on and off the trolley at your leisure all day. You can buy tickets for the Wine Trolley at several wineries and other venues in Santa Maria and Orcutt. Check here for more information. Explore the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is a 30-mile stretch of road between Santa Maria and Los Olivos that’s host to 14 wineries. While visiting any of the wineries on the trail, you’ll be rewarded with delicious wines and stunning views of vineyard-lined roads and hillsides shrouded in fog. You can cruise the trail in your car but be sure to have a designated driver. You can finish your Foxen Canyon trip in Old Town Orcutt where you can have dinner and a celebratory glass (or two!) of wine. Take a Guided Cycling Tour If you bring a bike to the valley, you can take a cycling tour of the region guided by local winemaker, winery owner and former semi-pro cyclist, Dave Corey. Dave owns CORE Winery, and he started the Bike & Bottle Project to provide guided cycling tours for locals and tourists alike. Dave’s in-depth knowledge of the region allows you to customize each tour based on distance, elevation and difficulty. Wine Taste for Less The Santa Maria Valley boasts some of the best wine on the Central Coast and the second-oldest AVA in California. But one of the best parts about our valley is that you can see and do more. You can take a wine weekend getaway for two people for $500 or less. Be sure to bring your hotel key card with you when you go wine tasting, because if you show it at participating wineries—including Cambria Estate Vineyard and Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery and others—you can receive a tasting for free!
Boomers! Santa Maria Boomers! Santa Maria has something for everyone—it’s like having an amusement park in your own backyard! From mini golf and go-karts to bumper boat and a batting cage, your family will enjoy spending time in this fun, family-friendly environment.
Silver Shoals Park Silver Shoals Park is another park with beach access. The grassy park has picnic tables and barbecues, making it a great place for a picnic. There is beach access via a steep dirt path. The beach itself is another great place to look for tide pools when the tide is low, and for bird watching.
The Monarch Butterfly Groves It’s a scene worth flocking to. Every year, thousands of orange and black Monarch Butterflies spread their wings, seeking shelter from the northern winters. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach, which is located a little under 30 minutes away from […]
Santa Maria Natural History Museum Get up close with native animal, plant, and geology exhibits at Santa Maria’s Natural History Museum. Here, individuals and children of all ages interact with rock and fossil exhibits, native bird displays, and a genuine bat room.
July 03 Old Orcutt's First Friday: July Come out and enjoy an evening in Old Orcutt. Merchants stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Drink, food, and shopping specials.
July 11 2020 St. Patrick's Day Car Show Rain or shine! Features cars, trucks, and motorcycles from all years, makes, & models. There will also be live music, as well as vendor booths and public safety displays! Come have a blast on your St. Patrick’s day!
July 11 Buellton Brew Fest 2020 A sell out every year, the Buellton Brew Fest take place Saturday, July 11th at River View Park. Over 50+ breweries, wineries, ciders and spirit companies will join us, along with live entertainment! Plenty of food trucks, mega size beer pong, cornhole and tons of restrooms! Bring your beach chair and blankets and plan to […]
August 07 Old Orcutt's First Friday: August Come out and enjoy an evening in Old Orcutt. Merchants stay open late on the first Friday of the month. Drink, food, and shopping specials.